Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Gainesville
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
Recycling
Same day as garbage collection (weekly)
Yard Waste
Same day as garbage collection (weekly)
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside solid waste charges are billed annually as non-ad valorem assessments on your Alachua County property tax notice.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes (Annual Non-Ad Valorem Assessment)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
The Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Hardship Assistance Program (NAVAHAP) provides reductions on solid waste assessments for eligible low-income and senior homeowners.
Black Cart (Various Sizes: 20, 35, 64, or 96 gallons) Bin (Trash)
Set your cart within 4 feet of the curb with the front facing the street by 7:00 AM on collection day. The lid must be completely closed. Excess garbage must be placed in Official Yellow Bags next to the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food-contaminated paper
Orange Bin (Paper/Cardboard) & Blue Bin (Containers) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. Stack the Blue Bin on top of the Orange Bin to keep paper dry. Flatten cardboard to a maximum of 4 ft by 4 ft. Keep bins at least 4 feet away from the garbage cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Orange Bin: Flattened cardboard, office paper, newspapers, magazines
- ✓Blue Bin: Plastic bottles/jugs/tubs, glass bottles/jars, aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam and foam packing
- ✕Plastic clamshells and non-rigid plastics
- ✕Containers over 3 gallons
- ✕Cords, hoses, and coat hangers
- ✕Ceramics and broken glass
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper lawn bags or personal reusable containers (max 40 lbs each). Loose piles of leaves/grass will not be collected. Branches max 5 ft long, 8 in diameter, and 40 lbs per piece.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and pine needles
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small twigs and vines
- ✓Branches
- ✓Palm fronds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled garbage collection day.
Placement
Place items at least 4 feet away from your garbage cart, recycling bins, and mailboxes. Do not place items in the street.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs, desks)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large toys, trampolines, and swing sets (disassembled)
- ✓ Rolled carpets and rugs (max 5 ft long, max 40 lbs)
- ✓ Interior home repair material (max 2 cubic yards)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Exterior modeling debris (asphalt, fencing)
- ✕ Appliances and electronics (unless an appointment is made)
- ✕ Contractor-generated debris
- ✕ Pressure-treated wood
Standard residential bulk pickup is free. However, special collections of exterior remodeling debris, or excess items beyond normal limits, may be arranged for an additional fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day occurs on or after an observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Tuesday routes will be serviced on Wednesday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the same holiday delay schedule as standard garbage.
Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas Day do NOT typically cause a delay in Gainesville's collection schedules, though city offices may be closed.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberDuring extreme weather events or tropical storms, the weekly yard waste volume limits may be suspended for storm debris. However, massive piles generated from land clearing or major storm damage will require significantly more time for collection.
Winter Holidays
December - JanuaryGainesville collects natural Christmas trees curbside during the months of December and January as part of the weekly yard waste service. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and tinsel are completely removed before placing the tree at the curb.
College Move-Out
April - MayWith the University of Florida nearby, move-out season generates massive amounts of bulk waste. Remember to mark items in working condition with a 'Still Works!' sign at the curb to encourage reuse, or donate them to local charities before resorting to curbside disposal.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Toss-Aways into Cash in Gainesville: Beyond the Blue Bin
Hey Gainesville neighbors! Did you know you can actually get paid for some of your recyclables? While the city's recycling program is awesome, certain items can bring in a little extra cash. Check out local scrap metal yards like Gainesville Metal Recycling (often found by searching online) for things like old appliances or scrap metal. For those aluminum cans and plastic bottles, keep an eye out for local redemption centers – sometimes convenience stores or dedicated spots offer money back for them. It's a great way to clean out your garage and put a few bucks in your pocket!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Hogtown
Before you decide to toss that perfectly good couch or those clothes you haven't worn in ages, think about donating them right here in Gainesville! Organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on SW 34th Street are always looking for furniture, building materials, and home goods to help fund their projects. You can also find local thrift stores that support various causes, or even check with places like the Alachua County Humane Society for donations of blankets or towels that can be reused. It's a fantastic way to help out fellow residents and reduce waste.
Keeping Our Gainesville Beautiful: What to Do About Dumped Trash
Nobody likes seeing litter or illegally dumped items around our beautiful city. If you spot anything suspicious, like old furniture left by the roadside or bags of trash that aren't from regular pickups, it’s important to report it. For general bulky item pickups that aren't part of your regular schedule, you might need to call the city's Solid Waste Division at 352-334-2330. For illegal dumping, contacting Alachua County's Solid Waste & Resource Recovery Department at 352-338-3233 is your best bet to get it cleaned up and help keep Gainesville looking its best. They often have information on specific collection days for hazardous waste too, so it's worth asking!
Drop-off Facilities
Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center
5125 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Materials Accepted
Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station
5115 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my garbage doesn't fit in my assigned Gainesville cart?
If you have more garbage than your cart allows, the city requires you to purchase Official Yellow Bags. These bags hold about 30 gallons and cost $11.25 for a pack of five, which covers the disposal fee. You can buy them at local Publix or Gainesville Ace Hardware stores. Any excess waste placed in personal black bags or boxes will be left at the curb.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Gainesville?
For most bulk items like mattresses, couches, and disassembled outdoor toys, no appointment is necessary. Simply place them at the curb on your regular garbage collection day. However, if you are throwing away large appliances (refrigerators, washers, ovens) or electronics, you must call the Solid Waste Division at 352-334-2330 to schedule a free pickup appointment.
Why didn't the city pick up the tree branches left by my landscaper?
According to City of Gainesville Ordinance Ch. 27-73.11, any tree debris or yard waste generated by a hired commercial tree surgeon or lawn service must be hauled away by that contractor. City crews will only collect yard waste from routine upkeep performed by the homeowner or occupant.
Which recycling bin is for paper, and which is for plastic?
Gainesville uses a dual-bin recycling system to keep materials clean. The Orange Bin is for all your paper products, including flattened cardboard, newspapers, and mail. The Blue Bin is strictly for containers, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars. It is recommended to stack the Blue Bin on top of the Orange Bin to prevent paper from blowing away or getting wet.